If you’re the kind of person who can ever seem to escape the itch to travel, then you probably also know the feeling of running down your savings account to zero. While other people save up to buy cars, televisions, gaming equipment, and designer clothes, you put away every penny so that you can experience the world. When you travel, you create lifelong memories that form the foundation of your identity. Still, money is always going to be a concern, so here’s how you can see new places on a shoestring budget.
Travel Farther by Sea
There are places in the world where many countries are all connected by the sea, which makes ocean travel a great way to see a lot of new places on a small budget. You might associate cruises with families and people who don’t want to put the effort into planning their own itinerary, but there’s so much more to this mode of travel, not to mention the fact that you can find outstanding cruise deals to help you afford the trip of your dreams.
Some cruise companies design their trips for onboard entertainment, but many others prioritize travel with things like port visits and guided inland tours. Smaller cruise ships can actually access places that you might not be able to visit, like isolated beaches and untouched natural landmarks. For adventures like island hopping or visiting a wide array of coastal towns, booking a cruise is the way to go.
Use a Bus and Train Pass
Another great way to save money when traveling is to use buses and trains to get around. While it takes a different level of research and planning, buses and trains generally end up less expensive than air travel. There are other benefits when you take a bus or train, including the fact that ground transportation is more environmentally friendly. Also, because buses and trains take you across the landscape, you get to see and experience more of the local destination.
Avoid High Tourist Seasons
If you’re really into traveling, you already know that booking a trip during peak tourist seasons will cost you. Whenever you can travel in the off-season. Different destinations around the world have different peak seasons for travel, so you have to research a bit ahead of time. For example, winter travel from the US continent to the Hawaiian islands is far more expensive than travel during the spring and fall. On the other hand, traveling to Australia at Christmas might save you money because many of the locals head out on holiday at that time.
Stay in Hostels and B&Bs
To save money and meet interesting people while you’re traveling, consider staying in hostels or local B&Bs. When you stay in a hostel, you can book a bed in a shared room, which will easily be the most economical accommodation you can find. You’ll also get the opportunity of meeting new people because hostels are usually centers of social activity such as pub crawls and guided city walks.
If you want a bit more privacy but don’t want to stay in a cookie-cutter hotel, search out local Bed and Breakfast options. These are usually small, having somewhere around ten to twenty rooms, and the owners tend to be local, which will give you a more intimate look into daily life.
Get Your Meals from Markets
Food usually takes up a significant portion of your budget while traveling, but you can get more bang for your buck by grabbing breakfast and lunch from local markets. Whether you’re in Southeast Asia or Europe, most cities have some form of a fresh market where you’ll find fruits, vegetables, cured meats, ready-made snacks, and food stalls. You can either grab a cheap bowl of noodles or pick up bread, cheese, and fruit to take on the go.
Don’t let your budget concerns stop you from seeing the world. You don’t have to have millions to be a world traveler. Just use your street smarts and a few of these strategies to get up and go on the trip of a lifetime.